|
The sea turtles, especially the leatherbacks, are
undoubtedly one of nature's most amazing creatures.
They roam the warm seas of the world throughout
their life and come ashore only to lay eggs. Malaysia
with its long sandy shorelines has been destined as
one of their breeding grounds. Unfortunately, the
number of leatherback turtles landing on the beaches
has been declining over the years. According to the
WWF estimates, about 2000 leatherbacks arrived on
Malaysian beaches in 1970. In 1989, only between
30 and 60 leatherbacks were found. The drastic drop
within such a short span is certainly a great cause for
concern. Where have they gone to? Are they avoiding
the beaches of Malaysia ? Whatever it is, the message
is disturbingly clear -- they may become an extinct
species soon, that is, if no concerted effort is taken to
check the decline now.
The belief that the declining landings of turtles
in Malaysia is the result of increasing landings in
others parts of the world is a fallacy. This is because
the scenario is the same in other countries known to
have been visited by the turtles. What has caused the
species to dwindle at such a rapid rate ? There are
many reasons but an obvious one is none other than
man's greed. As we know, turtles are killed for their
meat. In the days before refrigeration, turtles had been
a source of fresh food for the sailing ships. Today,
turtle soup is a favorite dish among the Asians. Their
shells have become coveted items for decorations and
jewelry. Their eggs which are meant to be hatched
into young turtles, are instead harvested and eaten.
When deep sea fishing nets inadvertently trap the
turtles, fisherman often kill the turtles instead of
cutting their nets to release them. Pollution of the
sea has also reduced the number of turtles. Many are
choked to death by the plastic bags that they mistake
for jelly fish. It appears that the turtles are no longer
safe in the sea where they spend most of their lives.
Neither are they safe when the females come
ashore to lay eggs. In fact this is the time when they
are particularly vulnerable as their movements are
slow on land. The nesting places for these turtles have
also been greatly reduced, As more and more beaches
are taken over for tourism with the construction of
hotels, chalets and condominiums, the breeding
grounds are reduced in the process. The intrusion
of tourists into these places make it difficult for the
turtles to lay their eggs. They have to look elsewhere
to places that are still quiet and undisturbed to lay their eggs. Unfortunately these ideal places are few
to come by now. Too much development has taken
place even along the coastline in most countries.
Perhaps all is not lost yet. Sincere efforts are
being taken to check the decline. In Malaysia, it is
heartening to note that concrete steps have been taken
to protect the turtles that come ashore to lay eggs.
The indiscriminate collection of turtles eggs on the
beaches is no more allowed. Turtle sanctuaries have
been set up in Rantau Abang in Terengganu. The eggs
collected by designated officials are sent to hatcheries
in the sanctuaries. In this way, the loss of eggs and the
rate of mortality among the baby turtles are reduced.
In other words, more baby turtles are now able to
return to sea and grow into adulthood.
In an effort to discourage the public from
eating turtle eggs a Turtle Enactment Act has been
introduced to prohibit the sale of leatherback eggs.
The WWF has also launched the 'Save the Turtle
Campaign' to create an awareness among the public
to help save the endangered species. In this way, the
consumption of turtle eggs and perhaps turtle meat
will be discouraged, thus putting a stop to the illegal
sale of eggs and trapping of turtles. Let us hope that it
is not too late to save these fascinating creatures from
becoming extinct. |
|
Based on the passage given, write
a summary in which you describe
* how and why the number of
leather back turtles has declined
* what steps have been taken to
prevent the decline
Credit will be given for use of
own words but care must be taken not to change the original meaning. Your
summary must be in continuous form and not longer than 130 words,
including the 10 words given below.
Begin your summary as follows :
"Te declining landings of turtles
in Malaysia are due to ..." |
|
The declining landings of turtles in Malaysia are due to
uncontrolled catching for their meat, shells and eggs. many are
inadvertently caught in deep sea fishing nets. Pollution of the sea has also
reduced the number of turtles. Many die of suffocation by discarded plastic
bags. Besides, turtles are most vulnerable when they come ashore to lay
eggs. Their nesting places have also been reduced due to development for
tourism along the coasts. Nevertheless, concrete steps have been taken to
arrest the decline. Indiscriminate collection and sale of turtle eggs are
banned. Turtle sanctuaries have been set up, thereby reducing the rate of
mortality among the baby turtles. Lastly, an awareness campaign has been
launched by WWF to discourage the public from eating turtle eggs. ( 125 words ) |
